The communication between low-risk low birth weight premature infants and their mothers in the first year of life a description of four cases

There has been a global increase in survival rates of premature infants due to advances in medical technology. Premature infants are known to be at risk for developmental problems including communication delays and disorders. Speech- Language Pathologists have an important role to play in the assessment and management of premature infants, especially due to the high prevalence of premature births in South Africa. The bonding and attachment experiences of premature infants and their mothers are often challenged, further placing these infants at risk for communication difficulties. This study aimed to explore the communication between low-risk low birth weight premature infants and their mothers at three points in the first year of life. A longitudinal study was conducted where four mother-infant dyads were investigated.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Bissessur, Divya

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Pascoe, Michelle

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10083

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/10083